Bury FC

Tributes paid to Fusilier, 18

TRIBUTES have been paid to a soldier serving with the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers who was killed in the Cyprus resort of Ayia Napa.

David Collins, aged 18, who lived in Manchester, was reportedly stabbed to death following an incident in a bar at the weekend.

On Monday, at the Fusilier Museum in Bury — the regiment’s Lancashire headquarters — the teenager’s uncle, Winston Riley, read out a tribute from the soldier’s parents, Lisa Minott and Lee Collins.

Colonel Mike Glover, regimental secretary (Lancashire) also issued a statement on behalf of the regiment.

He said: "David was at the heart of the fusilier family.

“He was a fusilier cadet where his enthusiasm and leadership qualities marked him out as a fusilier serving in the 2nd Battalion.

“His commanding officer, Lieutenant General Mike Butterwick, has said that fusilier Collins was a true fusilier, honest, heard working and utterly loyal. He wore his beret with pride and soldiering was his life. On behalf of all Fusiliers, we mourn the loss of one of our own.”

It has been reported that three teenagers from the London area have appeared before a court in Cyprus in connection with the soldier’s death.